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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.